The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has asked Sheffield City Council to make a public apology to the people of the city after numerous problems were found with the way it removed street trees.

In its report issued on 14th October, the Ombudsman has found the council did not, at times, act with openness and transparency when removing trees across Sheffield, and when dealing with people's complaints about that work.

During the preparation of the new Lidl store site, just off Stannington Road, next to the Malin Bridge, local residents noted that a number of trees were removed beyond those identified in the planning approval.

Following numerous calls from those concerned residents, local Lib Dem Cllr. Penny Baker raised the matter with the Council's Planning Enforcement Officers. Their findings concluded that It appears that whilst the majority of trees were originally authorised for removal, a further number of species had to be removed due to issues of ground stability. In addition the root systems were affecting the integrity of the existing riverside retaining wall.

The seasons may be changing, but it appears little changes when it comes to fly-tipping in and around the Stannington Ward. The location this time, is the end of Myers Grove Road, a popular location for walkers and dog lovers alike.On this occaision the dumped articles included household rubbish, broken furniture and over 20 car tyres.

We are pleased to report that the Planning Application to build c300 houses at the Hepworth Industrial site in the centre of Loxley Valley has been rejected.

At Tuesday's Planning and Highways Committee meeting, Sheffield's Councillors backed the Council Planning Officers and unanimously voted against the application. In their original report for the meeting Council Officers highlighted a number of concerns including:

The rural country lanes and paths that can be found all over the Stannington Ward are very popular with local residents for walks and getting out and about. Unfortunately they are now also very popular for fly-tipping as well. Despite assurances from the Council, fly-tipping has increased locally. In one case blocking a farm gate and stopping a farmer accessing his field to tend his cows.